22 June 2017

MY FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL // CITY GUIDE

It seems like a lifetime ago now that we left the dizzy heights of London for a different pace of life in the South West but oh Bristol you are a city that captured my heart and now the longest place I've lived! *eek* There are so many things to do in Bristol that it never really feels like ten years have passed.

From the twinkling harbourside and maritime history to the rows of candy coloured houses, vibrant creative quarters and wealth of foodie delights to discover, there is so much this city has to offer! I was super excited to be asked to collaborate on a mini film with the lovely Victoria from Bridges and Balloons and Expedia to showcase some of my favourite things to do in Bristol and give you an insight as to why we chose to make this our home.

THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL

As you can see the city has soooo much going on that it's no surprise it has been voted UK's most desirable location in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide in 2017, and we've seen a flux of Londoners swapping their premium postage sized living for more generous slice at city life.

So what are my favourite things to in Bristol? Well hopefully the video above has given you of whole world of inspiration, but if you are looking for a shortlist then here are my top must See / Eat / Shop spots of the city.

SEE

• I couldn't resist featuring Bristol's most iconic landmark, Clifton Suspension Bridge, with its jaw dropping views of the Avon Gorge. This remarkable 150 year old feat of engineering, initially design by Isamabard Kingdom Brunel, has become an symbol of the city and a major tourist attraction. Walk across for incredible views of the second largest tidal river and hop over to the neighbouring Leigh Woods or Ashton Court to immerse yourself in nature just a stones throw from the city.

• Take a stroll through the picturesque Clifton village, with its boutique shops, cafes, bars and amazing stationary shop Papersmiths. For you architecture lovers take in the views of Georgian Royal York Crescent and if you're after something a little more colourful then try a rainbow walk through Clifton Woods down to the harbourside.

• For a more urban experience try one of my favourite spots in the city, Stokes Croft. This vibrant creative quarter is home to artist studios, independent shops and the heart of Bristol's street art scene. Sign up to a street art tour or head down to the Canteen to spot the break dancing Jesus and one of the several Banksy graffiti, the Mild Mild West.

EAT

This has to be one of my favourite past times and Bristol certainly is a foodies paradise with new places popping up all the time! These have to be some of my must try places at the moment.

• If you have a sweet tooth then there are two place you must try when visiting the city. The first is Pinkmans Bakery where you can sample their delicious giant Sour-dough-nuts. Yep you heard me right, these beauties are made fresh daily and on the counter by 10am and they are a-ma-zing, it's no wonder the Sunday times voted it one of the top 25 Bakery's in the UK. The second stop is Swoon and their award winning Gelato, served in cones, tubs and even in cocktails, these scoops are one of the best Bristol has to offer.

• If your hanging out in Clifton Village there are plenty of places to wet your appetite, for something fancy try the upmarket Ivy Clifton Brasserie on the Mall. For an array of fresh salads, tasty sandwiches and delicious brunch then pop into Spicer & Cole or if you fancy the authentic taste of Italy then Bosco Pizzeria is my favourite hands down. From the delicious wood oven pizzas to the mouth watering Aranchini, you find their full menu online.

• If you want to be spoilt for choice with views over the harbour, then head down to Cargo Whapping Wharf where you'll find an array of micro restaurants and cafes in shipping containers. My top picks are Salt & Malt for tasty Gluten free fish and chips, Woky Ko for their Bao buns and noodles and Little Victories for amazing coffee and the perfect slice of banana bread.

• Over in Stokes Croft it's hard not to feel overwhelmed when it comes to a good food in this creative quarter. One of my favourite spots for brunch is Katie & Kim's Kitchen tucked away off the main road, for a no frill but fab food experience try Ceres which brings Melbourne's favourite brunch culture to the city and is fast becoming a firm favourite with locals. The cutest little cafe come florists serving a delicious array of tasty treats is Emmeline, perfect for plant lovers even if it is a bit of a squeeze. For a more west coast experience take a stroll up Gloucester Road for a San Francisco inspired breakfast at Bakers & Co.

PLAY

When it come to entertainment and nightlife this city sets the bar pretty high. Alongside the usual clubs that draw in the crowds, Bristol makes sure it has something for everyone, especially if like me you prefer something a little bit different.

• Bristol is home to a fab speakeasy scene with secret bars and prohibition style watering holes, taking you back to a yonder year, all with dramatic decor. I love these bars, hidden away from the masses and with a fabulous selection of cocktails to boot. Try Hausbar for a Berlin vibe, The Milk Thistle for a most curious night and Red Light with its neon signs and phone booth entrance.

• If you are a gin lover then you are going to love Psychopomp Microdistillery, housed in an old grocers store on St Michael's Hill, you can try their wide selection of gin and even have a go at making your own!

• For something a bit different head down to the stunning Everyman Cinema to catch a film. Screen 1 is the pretty much the most amazing space so prepare to be wowed while you sit back with a cocktail and pizza in sofa style chairs. If you are more of an art house film fan then try the Watershed on the harbourside for an eclectic programme.

• Music lovers are spoilt for choice with a variety of venues across the city. Try Colston Hall, St Georges and Bristol O2 Academy for larger names or if you want to listen to music while floating on the water then head down to the Thekla. If you fancy live music then Mr Wolfs will see you right with a line up for nearly every night.

• The art scene in Bristol is flourishing and you can find brilliant thought provoking exhibitions across the city. Check out the Arnolfini with its cute cafe bar and book shop or Spike Island gallery and artist atudios.

So there it is, my current loves in the city I choose to call home! Bursting with culture, galleries, music, good food, nearby countryside and the bustle of the harbourside I can see why we've stayed put. I hope you've enjoyed this guide and I'd love to hear your favourite spot in the city.

Pin this cool city guide!

*This post was made in collaboration with Bridges and Balloons blog and Expedia. All thoughts, words and opinions are my own. SaveSave

8 comments

I've just bookmarked this on my favourites bar! There are a lot on here that I already know and love, like Swoon, and Bakers & Co, but a lot of others I haven't tried yet. I'm going to work my way through your ideas :-)

I absolutely love Bristol, it's one of my favourite cities in the UK and is always changing and moving and I love that. So colourful - have been thinking about visiting the Happing Warf in the next few weeks - looks great for foodies